Mash-ups dont always work. Luckily for fans of Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright, this one does. Read Kidzworlds game review of Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, right here.
There is a lot of finger pointing in this game.Courtesy of Level 5
The Nintendo 3DS finally welcomes the North American release of Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney. While some may yell "Objection!" at the time it's taken to arrive on our shores. Rest assured fans, this mash-up is a success.
Which Witch is Wich?
In the opening moments of Professor Layton's latest adventure, a young girl named Espella is running through London seeking his help but the dark entity which is chasing her captures Espella first. Catching wind of this, Professor Layton and his trusty side kick Luke, seek Espella out. Though not before being transported by an enchanted book to a mysterious medieval town called Labyrinthia.
Labyrinthia also just so happens to be overrun by witches. The latest person to be accused of one? Espella! But she insists on her innocence!
Search for clues in LabyrinthiaCourtesy of Level 5
Luckily for Espella, fellow seeker of justice, Phoenix Wright, is visiting London at this time. Before you can say "cross-over", Wright comes across the enchanted book and is quickly transported to Labyrinthia as well. Espella, much to her delight, now has an ace attorney to represent her in the court room and a keen sleuthing mind to hunt for clues in the field.
The way in which the narrative worlds of Professor Layton and his fellow good guy Phoenix Wright are entwined did bring smiles to my face. With sharp writing and Wright's trade marked style to spare. While I might not paint the story in the most interesting light. It certainly does entertain, at least up until the ending which may have you scratching your head.
Wright takes his cases seriously.Courtesy of Level 5
Two Not Quite Becoming One
The game is split into clear and separate levels, bouncing back and forth between classic Professor Layton gameplay and Phoenix Wright's more stylized court room battles. As in past Layton games, like The Azran Legacy, I would talk to townsfolk and gather clues to a puzzle before finding its solution. Hint Coins make a return here as well, thus making it near impossible (for me) to leave a scene without searching every nook and cranny.
Then the next level, I would be playing as the great Phoenix Wright, using what info Layton had found to bolster my case in hopes of proving Espella's innocence. Cross examining witness in court is a blast thanks to incredible animations splashed over eccentric characters. A highlight known by Phoenix Wright fans already.
Where Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright stumbles slightly is the actual melding of the different gameplay styles. Or lack of melding. The gameplay mechanics are so different in each series that it often feels like two games stapled together...because it is. It's not necessarily a bad thing as both series have great gameplay. But I can't help but wish the developers got a little more creative with this mash-up and somewhere blended the to gameplay styles instead of us bouncing back and forth essentially between to different games (that share a story).
That said, there is great fan service through and through. While not as strong as their individual outings. Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney is another solid game for fans of both high spirited characters.
Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, available now!Courtesy of Level 5
Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Review:
Have Your Say!
Phoenix Wright or Professor Layton? Who is your favorite?
